In December, 2006, NIH reissued the Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Awards for Individual Predoctoral Fellowships (F31) to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research” (PA-07-106). Applications submitted for PA-07-106 are required to include a letter with the application from the institution certifying eligibility of the fellow for this program. See: PA-07-106, Section IV.2):

Information must be submitted by the applicant Institution in a letter certifying that the applicant belongs to one of the following groups as further defined in Section III.1.B. Eligible Individuals: (A) An individual from racial and ethnic groups that have been shown to be underrepresented in health-related sciences on a national basis; or (B) An individual with disabilities, who are defined as those with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (C) An individual from disadvantaged backgrounds. For detailed information on the above categories, please refer to the “Eligible Individuals” section of the FOA.

This Notice clarifies that the letter should be inserted in the application immediately before the Checklist (at the end of the Sponsor's/Co-Sponsor's Information). Application processing may be delayed or the application may be returned if it does not comply with this requirement.

Inquiries

Inquiries concerning this Notice may be directed to:
Office of Extramural Programs
National Institutes of Health
Email: NIHTrain@mail.nih.gov